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May 20, 2012

Dear Mrs. Pollak--Our deepest condolences to you and your family... What a valued and distinguished life you both have had. You may recall two things-- that Judge Pollak married me and my wife almost exactly 29 years ago; Joanne is next to me on the couch now, as we await our daughter's return from a rowing regatta; and you were instrumental-- as Penn's post-bacc director-- in my own 25 year career in cardiology. Our very best wishes to you and your family. John and Joanne Rudoff

May 18, 2012

~

Sandy,

Florida

May 15, 2012

It's rare to find true greatness. Judge Pollak was one of the greatest jurists—and people-- of our time.

I first met Lou Pollak when I was 7 years old and I stumbled into his back yard, where he was playing with his young daughter Susie. He spoke to me quietly and sincerely and patiently, ignoring my pronounced lisp and cutting through my shyness. He introduced me to his dog, his daughters, and his always witty wife, Kathy. He was the most generous and considerate of neighbors and when I was just a little bit older I realized that we had a veritable—and a better, because real,--Atticus Finch in our midst. His passions were justice, truth, equality and his family.

I think that everyone he knew became a better, stronger person, a person more committed to truth and justice because of his example.

His family was profoundly kind to me when I was a teenager and needed kindness. Lou always made time for everyone--young and old, powerful and powerless. I remember reading his wonderful volumes on the "Constitution and the Supreme Court" and realizing what a vital, entrancing way he had of transforming history into sparkling vividness. He made an enormous positive difference in the world to people he knew and to our entire society. When he spoke, you knew that what he said would be simultaneously inherently correct and also carefully and wisely considered.

Dear Ms. Pollak and Family - I extend my condolences on your loss. Judge Pollak was Dean of Penn Law School when I graduated in 1976. I interviewed him for the Law School newsletter shortly after he became Dean. I had also met him at Yale while I was an undergraduate, during his term as Dean of the Yale Law School. I still remember that meeting. I was a member of Davenport College, where he was a fellow. One winter morning I was having breakfast with another student. The dining hall was not very full. Judge Pollak asked whether he could join us. I already knew who he was. Because I already planned to attend law school, so I was thrilled that the Dean was joining us. In introducing himself, he simply said, "I"m Lou Pollak." Even though that encounter occurred over 40 years ago, whenever I think of Judge Pollak, I remember his modesty in joining a couple of undergraduates for breakfast. I consider myself fortunate to have known him. May his memory be for a blessing.

~

Michael Kline,

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

May 13, 2012

To Mrs. Pollak, Sally, Debbie, et al:

Please accept my condolences on the passing of your husband and father. I'm sure he is missed, not only by you, but by many whose lives he touched.

Having spent a little time in your household, I can't say as if I ever heard Judge Pollak speak more than twenty words. I remember him always with a modest smile.

On one or two occasions at dinner he ate quietly. And with his eyes sparkling he appeared to enjoy the colorful din, from all the women in his life, which danced about the table.

Quiet as he was to me, he seemed to instill the courage in each of his five daughters to find and use her own voice. That is a wonderful legacy.

I am sorry for your loss.

~

Ellis Hope Neel,

Delaware

May 12, 2012

To the the family of Louis Pollak - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.

Idaho

May 12, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the Pollak family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

Georgia

May 11, 2012

With affection and gratitude, from a former student, Yale Law School class of 1970:May the Source of Peace send peace to all who mourn and comfort to all who are bereaved.

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